The food and beverage industry in Milwaukee has "sploded" (as my niece would say) over the past few years. Seems brand new restaurants, breweries and distilleries are cropping up all over. And that’s pretty exciting.
It’s also exciting, for me, when I see some of those businesses giving back to the community (my heart "splodes" a little just thinking about it).
Such is the case with Central Standard Craft Distillery, who will celebrate its first year in business on July 24, 2015 by collecting donations for The Women’s Center, an organization that has been working since 1977 to provide a wide range of free and comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse. [Read more about them here.]
The Deets
They’ll be doing so at an event at the Distillery (613 S. 2nd St.) on Friday, July 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.
During the anniversary celebration, if you bring a donation for The Women’s Center (see the wish list of items they need below), you will receive a ticket for a free signature Central Standard cocktail.
It’s a win-win for everyone. You can do good for others -- and celebrate another of our great Milwaukee businesses -- while also kicking back and starting off your weekend with a little tipple. Rumor has it there will also be live music, food trucks and cool give-aways throughout the event.
Bourbon Pre-Orders... Oh, yes!
Oh -- and if you’re a bourbon lover like me -- you’ll also be interested to know that they’ll be taking some of the very first pre-orders for their Bourbon Whiskey -- which has been aging quietly in charred White Oak -- at the event. The bourbon's grain bill is approximately 70% corn, 20% rye and 10% barley, and it has been aging for just over a year. Rumor has it that the spirit has rich caramel notes with a bit of fruit and spice from the rye. It’s been a long wait for this one, but I’m excited to get my first taste of it.
Now, take a look at this list and start thinking about what to bring!
Wish list for donations to the Women's Center
- Cash donations
- Non scented lotion
- Gas and other gift cards
- Art supplies and sidewalk chalk
- Old cellphones and chargers
- School supplies
- Batteries
- Journals/Notebooks
- Non perishable food items
- Paper products (napkins, plates, etc.)
- Peanut butter
- Cleaning supplies
- Nail polish
- Diapers
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
Big shout out to owners Evan Hughes, Pat McQuillan and Brandt Foster for their support of issues that matter -- to women and to the community.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
